Is it just me, or has there been a ridiculous amount of people unable to care for their pets recently? Yes, I know, everyone has different circumstances, some more out of his/her control than others, but wow. Don't you understand that when you decide to take care of another living being, it isn't something you should consider lightly? Don't you realize the trauma it inflicts when you displace the animal? Where is the sense of responsibility? Apparently, it just isn't what it used to be.

You are supposed to love your pets unconditionally. You are supposed to consider the costs, the extra responsibility it brings, and the "extenuating circumstances" you might be presented with before you bring that animal into your home. period.

This is no knock on one person or another. It is just an observation of late. And it is frustrating and sad to see these threads begging for help for these poor (adorable) creatures that actually can't help themselves. Do us a favor, and take care of your responsibilities! We can't always dig you out of a hole...

I could never give up my dog again, even tho he is a big hassle (said in a funny way) I must admit the help I got from here only improved his status. As for giving animals up well sometimes circumstances call for that and only in the worst case is it ok. even then.......

But when you get a pet from a shelter you never know what you are getting into to a certain extend.

On the post side, sometimes despite all the planning in the world, circumstances change. Sometimes the pet changes. We love our cat dearly, and I would say unconditionally. However, she's become very aggressive, and I worry that she'll attack our baby when it comes.

In the meantime, we've put her into kitty behavioral therapy and on medication. She seems MUCH better on meds. However, unfortunately, she's still going to be watched December/January to see how she handles the infant. She's been good with other kids, so we're very hopeful.

I think giving away my cat to a new home would kill me a bit.

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I can't understand people who are not breeders and DON'T get their pets de-sexed.

You know what I'm talking about....... It's your problem, not someone elses to pick up your puppies and kittens.

If you are considering NOT desexing your pet. Go and visit a pet shelter first and see what you are potentially contributing to.

You do have a point. For the sake of argument though lets say that i dont desex my cats. Some other person may want a kitten and doesnt want to pay for a pure breed. I give them the kittens. They provide a good home to them. Everybody is happy.

I agree with you up to a point. if you know these kittens will go to a good home then yes have them. If you plan to give them to a shelter then yes have the parents desexed.

For the record my cat gave birth twice. All kittens went to good homes except one i kept, and now they are all desexed.

Generalization is never good, but I do not think OP meant to generalize. yes if you get a pet you are responsible for it, and if circumstances (real ones) come where you can't take care of him/her then looking for an appropriate home is the least one can do but I do also feel that some people get rid of their pets after minor problems.
Having said that, in the past, I had to give 2 of my cats in adoption because cat 1 got aggressive with me (bit me and made me bleed 3-4 times) and cat 2 because he was aggressive with my other cat and started peeing everywhere, and this did not improve after surgery, getting multiple toilets, you name it we did it. I was able to find a good home for both and now I have two beautiful cats that even though they do pee sometimes on my husband's clothes, I would never give away as they are my kids.

I wish I could say that I am shocked at the blythe irresponsibility with which far too many people decide to acquire - and then dispose of - living, sentient creatures. But after years of volunteering in rescue I am no longer shocked, only deeply, deeply saddened for all the poor animals.

And saddened at what this kind of irresponsibility says about our society.

Please - anyone thinking of taking on a pet - please understand that pet ownership means you have made a commitment, you are taking on an absolute responsibility to that animal for his/her natural lifetime. Come what may.

Yes, I understand that sometimes awful and unexpected things happen, and for the good of the animal rehoming is necessary - but from what I have seen in years in rescue those genuine situations actually are not very common. Most could have been avoided with proper soul-searching, research, and planning prior to taking on the pet.

If, prior to taking on your pet, you can imagine a situation where you would give up on him/her, then please do not take the pet on at this time. Wait until you can whole-heartedly make that commitment.

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You do have a point. For the sake of argument though lets say that i dont desex my cats. Some other person may want a kitten and doesnt want to pay for a pure breed. I give them the kittens. They provide a good home to them. Everybody is happy.

I agree with you up to a point. if you know these kittens will go to a good home then yes have them. If you plan to give them to a shelter then yes have the parents desexed.

For the record my cat gave birth twice. All kittens went to good homes except one i kept, and now they are all desexed.

Gata,
You are exactly the sort of responsible person I love.... but unfortunately there are too few of you.

Even people with good intentions can underestimate what is involved with the vet expenses, etc. and the time and money involved in finding new homes.

The thing is.... if someone like you DIDN'T desex their pet, and behaved the way you do, then no one would notice the problem.

By all means continue - my comment was in no way a shot at people like you.

Each time I took the unconcious, quick and capricious decision to adopt a pet (rabbit, hamster, cat, etc.) after a relative short time enjoying them, I felt so blessed, that nothing on earth would have made me decide to separate myself of them

Everyone who knows me knows I have a serious cat obsession. Dogs are fine too if well-trained but cats, no matter how old and manky, never fail to completely command my attention and turn me into this:

BUT - my apartment is not a good place for a cat, no garden, no balcony, doors that are always closed, just not a place where it would be happy. And that, to me, is essential for making a decision about getting a pet, sure, you will be happy with your pet, but will your pet be happy with YOU?

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BUT - my apartment is not a good place for a cat, no garden, no balcony, doors that are always closed, just not a place where it would be happy. And that, to me, is essential for making a decision about getting a pet, sure, you will be happy with your pet, but will your pet be happy with YOU?

You need a flat cat

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I can't understand people who are not breeders and DON'T get their pets de-sexed.

I've had three dogs and none were de-sexed and none have had accident puppies.

First one was a male dog, the second and third bitches.
I talked about de-sexing with my vet, but she was rather against putting my bitch through a surgery if it was not needed (=if I was not responsible enough to watch her while she was heating). So I didn't.
I keep my bitch in leach at ALL times while heating and never go to places for toilette where there are normally other dogs. Since we don't live in a perfect world, accident can happen of course, but never then less you should know if there was an accident and you could have it sprayed out.

Pros and crons with everything. Not de-sexing doesn't mean a stupid owner though.

But I agree with JLF, people really need to think a little bit before getting a pet. It is a great responsibility.